Race Recap – Susan G Komen Race for the Cure – October 19, 2013

I’ve walked this race a couple of years and last year it was my first running race.

raceforthecure1

Even though it was not technically timed it still counted as my first ever race. This year they added timing chips if you signed up as a runner, not a lot of people signed up as runners. As this a huge event with lots and lots of walkers I knew it would be challenging to dodge walkers and strollers most of the way. My aunt signed up too so I went with her, we got to downtown Miami about 6am. Walked around for 2 hours before lining up to race, that was a mistake I now realize. By then I had walked out all my breakfast calories and would be running on near empty. As I sometimes do I took off way too quickly at the beginning, marking my fastest mile according to my NikePlus app but also the reason I blew up a mile and a half into it. I ended up walking up the bridges and part of the way up another. There is a small somewhat steep bridge on the course and it gets me every time. I finished but was pretty disappointed in my time, I grabbed my water and a banana from the food tent and sat on the hillside to watch for my aunt to finish. I am pretty good at guessing what time my friends and aunt will finish and I was by the finish line chute when she crossed the line. Overall I was disappointed in my performance at this race, I know not every day will be a great race or PR but I just felt really bad about this 5k. But there’s always next year, when I will hopefully take on that bridge without stopping. First race in my new pink Brooks PureConnects.

Starting line.

Starting line.

Susan G. Komen – Race for the Cure

I’m proud to be a part of this great cause for the 2nd year in a row. I’ve know quite a few survivors of breast cancer and have unfortunately known a couple of losses. If you have the chance to participate in one of these races, I urge you to do so. It’s a chance to get some exercise, learn about breast cancer research, and join with others who feel strongly about this cause. I think we can all manage to walk at least 3 miles/5k to help out in the search for a cure.

Everyone wants to save the tatas, so what can you do? You can do regular self breast exams. As well as clinical breast exams every 3 years starting at age 20, and mammograms every year after the age of 40. Most gynos will do a breast exam during the annual pap smear visit. It’s very important to detect it early, as survival rate is higher. Another great way to help with early detection and finding the cure, is to donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation as well as shop for products donating to the foundation. There are many cosmetic lines now that donate a portion of their proceeds to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

Every year I try to get a group together to do this walk, this year everyone is lazy and chooses to not participate. But I will be there and walking for breast cancer research. It will be my 2nd charitable walk this year. The first was for The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida, another great foundation for helping those who suffer from epilepsy. So put on those walking shoes and get out there!

Link to my personal fundraising page:
Susan G. Komen Race for The Cure

Info on Breast Self Exams:
Self Exam

To Learn more about The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida:
Epilepsy Foundation of Florida